Snowbirding to Florida in your RV: the 2026 guide

The six-month rule

Canadian snowbirds can spend up to 182 days per calendar year in the US without becoming tax residents. Most Quebec retirees cross in mid-November and return in late April — five-and-a-half months, comfortable margin.

Before crossing

• Passport: 6+ months validity past return.
• RV insurance: get written confirmation of US coverage from your broker. Liability boost recommended ($2M minimum).
• Travel health insurance: non-negotiable. Underlying conditions push premiums up — get quotes early.
• SAAQ registration valid for the full stay.
• Prescriptions: bring a 90-day supply + paper script. Refills in the US are expensive and often refused without a US doctor.
• Banking: a US-dollar account and a no-FX-fee credit card pay for themselves in week one.

The route, 1 850 km, 3 days

Quebec → I-87 / I-95 → North Carolina → Georgia → Florida. Stop nights at Albany NY (Crossroads RV Park), Greenville SC (Springwood Park) and Brunswick GA (Coastal Georgia RV Resort). All three pull-through, no reservation needed in low season.

Florida park selection

• East coast (Atlantic): windier, sandier. Best for ocean walkers.
• West coast (Gulf): calmer water, more Canadian retirees, slightly higher prices.
• Central: cheapest, hottest, farthest from beaches. Good for golfers.

Realistic budget · 5 months